Last week to have your say on the 2012/13 budget

Thanks to an innovative 'budget simulator' which can be accessed via the Council's website it's now easier than ever to register your opinions.

The simulator - which can be found by clicking on www.southend.gov.uk/haveyoursay - allows residents to choose different ways to draw up a budget which achieves 10 per cent savings.

It does this by showing the possible consequences of residents increasing or decreasing funding for different Council-provided services.

The budget consultation exercise, which will assist the Council in determining residents' priorities, finishes this Sunday (30th Oct) - so don't miss out on the chance to get involved.

If you don't have easy access to the internet there's no need to worry. You can still take part in the budget consultation using a paper version of the questionnaire.

These will be available at libraries across the Borough (where you can also use the library's computers to access the online budget simulator) or by calling 01702-215000.